OS31300 Expedition Sea Kayaking is going to the Bahamas in January block!

•The course is going to the ‘Out Islands’, or Exumas, of the Bahamas.
The islands narrowly separate the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The islands are semi-arid dominated by Whiteland Copice Forest: think cacti and palm trees. There are around 14 endangered species in the Bahamas according to the Bahamas Land Trust, including 3 species of sea turtle. Camping is mostly on sand beaches. The geology is primarily limestone karst. Marine life is spectacular with visibility of up to 100’, coral reef ecosystem, and abundant fish and intertidal life.

•The course focuses on skills, teaching, natural history, and leadership.
Students are prepared to work as guides, environmental educators, and field scientists. The warm water (75-80 F) makes learning rescues, rolling, and snorkeling very enjoyable. Navigating between islands can be challenging and the crossings between islands require careful decisions. Students learn to teach skills and natural history with teachable moments and longer classes. Finally seamanship and leadership are practiced daily.This means reading the ocean and making the best, conservative travel decisions as a group.

The weather is nice: it’s the Bahamas.
There is the possibility of storms that can pin us down for a few days, and winds from the east that kick up the openings. But generally the temps are made for shorts and t-shirts. The equipment list is fairly short, besides shorts and t-shirts I require everyone to have close toed paddling shoes. Mask/fin/snorkel are a must also. A lightweight neoprene shorty wetsuit is also helpful for longer swims. And don’t forget your sunscreen!